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  3. SCA Score

Origin & sourcing

SCA Score

A 100-point quality score assigned by certified Q-graders using the Specialty Coffee Association's cupping protocol — 80+ qualifies as 'specialty.'

  • Also called: cupping score
  • Availability: Common

The SCA cupping score evaluates a coffee on ten attributes (fragrance/aroma, flavor, aftertaste, acidity, body, balance, uniformity, clean cup, sweetness, and overall) on a 10-point scale, with defects deducted. The total is the SCA score. A score above 85 is considered excellent; above 90 is exceptional and rare. Brooklyn specialty bars often print the score on the menu card for single-origin pour-overs.

Related terms

  • Q Grader
  • Specialty coffee
  • Cup of Excellence
  • Tasting Notes
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